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About this project

24 hours to go! It's the final countdown!

I know, we are short by $98,000 right now. So... all those hundreds of friends, thousands of kickstarter backers sitting on the fences and mass-media waiting to place us on front pages all over the world, now it's your chance! We know you've been waiting to see whether the project takes off, but hey, now it's your opportunity to shine! you can come in-masse and pledge for the coolest historical flight simulator ready-to-be-made!
Ok, you may wait a few more hours but don't over do it or you'll miss out (and we'll get a heart attack!) Share on fb, on twitter, on email... Don't let us get toasted :)

Update: We've been contacting lot of veteran groups because many on WWI & WWII passed away without being recognized. Most know about the big missions but there are many squadrons out there that were part of the war and have their own heroes. We want to show their stories, big and small, within Dogfight Elite. This is an example of what we want to achieve!

Updated Video: video of prototype of Dogfight Elite. P51d and Albatros d.V and some tanks.

Dogfight Elite

A detailed, historical flight simulation and air combat game…and much more.

In Dogfight Elite you can walk as a soldier, jump into a tank, fly an airplane, bomb enemy bases or go on a dogfight. You can also parachute, touch land and continue walking as a soldier! Oh, and it has Oculus Rift support, meaning you can put those glasses on and be completely immersed into the action.

We want to make game that stands apart from and, literally, above the crowd. If this Kickstarter campaign succeeds, young players and old will discover one of the most fascinating periods in modern history; the origin of combat in the air and the birth of the chivalrous knights of the sky, the Aces of WW1 and WW2.

I want Dogfight Elite to do for young players what books and films did for me. We have the opportunity here to create something that involves and engages you in an unfolding ‘story’ in which you can actually participate. There is nothing passive about this game. It’s immersive, in terms of the rich historical content, the thrilling massive multiplayer real-time gaming action, and the personal interaction with fellow fans and players from around the world…with all the realism and sense of “being there” only a quality game can provide.”
You can make all this possible with your pledge to Dogfight Elite.

Dogfight Elite: the first educational (and wildly entertaining!) World War I and World War II aviation combat simulator.

With the Wright Brothers only a few years behind it and bold, pioneering airmen pushing the limits of man’s ability to conquer the skies, WW1 was the real dawn of flight. In a mere four years combat aviation went from enemies waving as they passed each other over the front to the most furious air-to-air battles ever seen. And the sophistication of aircraft went from wood and canvas “flying coffins” to swirling, climbing, diving war machines the equal of which the world had never known. Just two short decades later those planes would appear primitive compared to the astonishing advancements in the aircraft of WW2.

Dogfight Elite: Running some tests with the terrain engine.

These two seminal wars in the sky combine to provide the setting for Dogfight Elite, and it’s about this pivotal period in history – when the world teetered on the brink of destruction and aviation technology plunged headlong toward newer, faster, more deadly planes - that gamers will learn while playing their way through historic campaigns that illuminate some of the 20th Century’s most remarkable advancements, most startling moments, and most genuinely larger than life characters. You’ve heard of The Red Baron. He was just one of many. The mythical devil-may-care fighter pilot, the “code of honor”, the gentleman warrior, is no myth…it’s true. You’ll meet and learn about these fearless legends of combat aviation in Dogfight Elite.

Your support for the development of Dogfight Elite will contribute to quality content for gamers, flight simulation aficionados and history buffs of all ages.

Dogfight, the original, much smaller scale version of the game, that has already produced a community of players numbering over 200,000 on Apple and Android handheld devices, has also created a social network of dedicated “pilots” and international friends. It’s this social community of friends that ensures the success of the fully realized game, Dogfight Elite.

Your pledge will go toward expanding that community through the creation of the first full scale, historically accurate WW1 and WW2 flight combat simulator.

Dogfight Elite will not only allow players to fly historic aircraft in action packed missions, it will also allow them to immerse themselves in a startling period in history when pilot flew against pilot, most were sportsmen with a taste for adventure, and the qualities of chivalry and gallantry in whites-of-their-eyes confrontations ruled the sky.

Getting some ideas and putting together some sketches for aircraft to include in the game

Designing the hangar screens

Putting up some technical facts about each plane

Dogfight Elite: A History of Personal Passion

Joaquin Grech: I’ve always been infatuated with the idea of creating a flight simulator that would be a fun, family oriented game, but would also tell the stories of the remarkable pilots and aircraft of the world wars. I read these amazing stories as a child and they fired my imagination. I want to share that same sense of wonder with children and their parents around the world…in a way that is both informative and addictively fun!

With the funds, I hope to make the best gaming experience I and my staff of friends, and volunteers, can possibly create. There’s a lot of thrilling history out there waiting to be told…and played!

Dogfight Elite WWI airplanes already included in the prototype. Contribute to help us announce the secret planes!

Dogfight Elite WWII airplanes already included in the prototype. Contribute to help us announce the secret planes!

Dogfight Elite bombers already included in the prototype. Contribute to help us announce the secret planes!

London was largely defenseless while being bombed by Zeppelins.

Women were not allowed to fly in the World Wars.

Pilots were prohibited from using parachutes for years.

Why?
Find the answers in Dogfight Elite as you play through the campaigns when these and hundreds of other historic details were being played out on the world stage.

Info about The Marshal of the Royal Air Force, The Mission Creator and Marketing Guru pledges.

Some of you are asking for more details since these are the largest pledges.
We believe these rewards are perfect for anyone that wants to promote a museum, organization, veteran group or themselves personally. The previous version of Dogfight has over 3.5 million downloads and this version will aim to be much much bigger.
If, for instance, you are a museum or a soda company, you may have been around since WWI or WWII. You may have great material from those times and we could use that to place it in the game. Or you may be a freelancer looking for recognition.
Having your own landmark will capture everyone's attention. Having your own plane drawings (and you can tell us you also want to make it available to anyone!), could give you great marketing. Or having your own custom made mission for one of your veteran groups!
Imagine, you are this organization that is included INSIDE the game. How many people can say that? Cool as hell! and of course we would make sure to post it for everyone to see.

Why Kickstarter?

Kickstarter and Echoboom Apps share many values. Getting funded by crowdfunding is another way of saying that we want to make a game where the community is of utter importance. Also, been a small studio, we can't afford the budget required for a big marketing campaign or spend months on development without taking outside projects. We need for the rest of the world to find out about Dogfight Elite, and kickstarter is the perfect platform for this. Lastly, we know our community of players and what they like or not like, but 3.5 million players is a small number in the grand scheme of things. We need to validate our idea, throw it out of our comfort zone and put it out there for everyone to enjoy or criticize. We hope to gain that insight from kickstarter.

Milestone #1

We’ve reached $5,000 Thank you!

As promised we will be releasing secrets and details as we progress through Kickstarter. Today we unveil the first of the secret airplanes. The Messerschmitt Me 163, also known as, the Komet.

The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Lippisch, was a German rocket-powered fighter aircraft introduced in 1944. It is the only rocket-powered fighter aircraft ever to have been operational. Its design was revolutionary, and the Me 163 was capable of performance unrivaled at the time. Messerschmitt test pilot Rudy Opitz in 1944 reached 1,123 km/h (698 mph). Over 300 aircraft were built, making it one of the first rocket-powered aircraft mass-produced. It had more peculiarities, for takeoff, a pair of wheels, each mounted onto the ends of a specially designed cross-axle, together comprising a takeoff "dolly" mounted under the landing skid, were needed due to the weight of the fuel, but these were released shortly after takeoff.

It is time for announcements! Those that pledge for The Dogfighter reward or higher, will receive a unique in-game aircraft. The great Fokker D.VIII

History of Fokker D.VIII: The Fokker E.V was a German parasol-monoplane fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz and built by Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. It entered service with the Luftstreitkräfte in the last months of World War I. After several fatal accidents due to wing failures, the aircraft was modified and redesignated Fokker D.VIII. Dubbed the Flying Razor by Allied pilots, the D.VIII had the distinction of scoring the last aerial victory of World War I.(wikipedia)

Fokker D.VIII will be available only in kickstarter to those that pledge for The Dogfighter or higher reward. The Fokker D.VIII scored the last aerial victory of WWI

Milestone #3: Secret aircraft revealed: The Gotha Bomber

The Gotha G.IV or G.V bomber.
We are already working on the 3d model, and probably will go for the Gotha G.V bomber, which was one of the most historic bombers of World War I.
As you can imagine, the bomber missions will allow you to play in teams. You could go alone or in teams of up to three players, either piloting or shooting.

Gotha G.IV, a WWI bomber. (source wikipedia).

Secret aircraft revealed: Messerschmitt Me 262

From Wikipedia: The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe (English: "Swallow") was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. Compared with Allied fighters of its day, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor, it was much faster and better armed. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, the Me 262 was used in a variety of roles, including light bomber, reconnaissance and even experimental night fighter versions.

Drachen Balloon: The Germans made good use of observation balloons in several configurations. The British called them sausages, for obvious reasons. The balloon's shape gave it another nickname, "Nulle" or "Testicle".

A7V Tank (source wikipedia): The A7V was a tank introduced by Germany in 1918, near the end of World War I. One hundred vehicles were ordered during the spring of 1918, but only 20 were delivered. They were used in action from March to October of that year, and were the only tanks produced by Germany in World War I to be used in operations

A7V tank and Drachen balloon

Milestone #4: Secret aircraft revealed: The Halberstadt D.II

Halberstadt D.II (source Aviation History): Looking somewhat frail due to its slender lines and flimsy looking tail unit, the Halberstadt D.II was very maneuverable and deceivingly strong and was more respected by Allied opponents than its own pilots. Halberstadt Scouts could withstand long steep dives and tight maneuvers better than most aircraft at the time. James Thomas Byford McCudden, of the RFC, wrote of the Halberstadt, "I have never in my experience seen a machine, under control, dive so steeply and so long."

We surely will enjoy dogfights with this beauty!

The Halberstadt D.II will be included in Dogfight Elite

Milestone #5: Secret aircraft revealed: The Bristol M1C

The Bristol M1C (source wikipedia): In 1916, Frank Barnwell, chief designer of Bristol Aeroplane Company, realising that the performance of existing fighter aircraft was inadequate, designed a new single-seat tractor monoplane fighter as a private venture, the Bristol M.1. It was purchased by the War Office for evaluation, and demonstrated impressive performance during official testing, reaching a speed of 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) and climbing to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in 8 minutes 30 seconds, although the forward and downward view was criticized by test pilots.

Bristol M.1 Monoplane Scout, a was a British monoplane fighter.

Milestone #6: When we reach 500 backers or $50000, the seventh secret aircraft will be revealed!

Risks and challenges

Echoboom Apps has successfully delivered a number of games to thousands of supporters in the past, including the previous version: Dogfight. We expect that our previous experiences will enable us to deliver this project on time. Having said that, there are always complexities and considerations in such big projects that may cause delays. We will contract manufacturing to make the game box, t-shirts, freight forwarders to get games through customs and 3rd parties like US Post Office and FedEx to ship the games. We don’t control everything and there are lots of opportunity for delays - zombies, asteroid attacks, you get the drill – but we hope to handle these appropriately.
We will try to port the game to as many consoles as we can, but these gaming consoles require expensive licenses and permission from the manufacturers. We will do our best to get it through but we can't guarantee it.
Also, a particular challenge to a project this big is to keep everyone motivated with a positive attitude, that’s why it is important that we listen to your input and enjoy your great suggestions. Keep comments positive and the team will feel more engaged that ever to contribute to the project, the community and all your requests.
Lastly, we are very excited about making Dogfight Elite, we will do everything possible to complete the project in time and having your support couldn’t make us happier. We hope you enjoy your rewards and we will make your pledge well worth it. We will meet in the skies very very soon!

FAQ

Rewards

$1 reward

The Supporter: You'll get our undying thanks! You'll also get your name listed on our site. We'll print your name, stick it on the wall and look to it whenever we are in need of inspiration!

Estimated delivery:May 2013

You selected

$10 reward

116 backers
Limited (134 left of 250)

The Early Backer: You'll get our undying thanks! You'll also get your name listed on our site. We'll print your name, stick it on the wall and look to it whenever we are in need of inspiration!

Also, you will receive early access to the beta mobile version of the game on Android, iOS or Windows Phone 8. The first 250 backers will receive a digital download of the game Dogfight Elite for $10! (Suggested retail price is $25)

Estimated delivery:Jul 2013

You selected

$25 reward

85 backers

The Gamer: A digital download of Dogfight Elite on any of the desired available platforms! (iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8, PC/MAC, and any platform we can make it available for!)

Also access to the private Dogfight Elite forums where you will be able to interact with the team during the development process!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

You selected

$45 reward

17 backers

The Duo Gamer: You will receive TWO digital copies of Dogfight Elite. In short, TWO The Gamer rewards so that you can play with your family, friends or frienemies!

Estimated delivery:Aug 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$67 reward

8 backers
Limited (192 left of 200)

The Featured Actor: You'll get all previous rewards PLUS a limited edition Dogfight Elite t-shirt!

You will also be eligible to appear on a future Dogfight Elite promotional video (you, your voice or you playing Dogfight Elite!)

Estimated delivery:Aug 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$99 reward

19 backers

The Dogfighter: You'll get all previous rewards PLUS a physical Dogfight Elite box copy of the game with booklet and all, showing the creation process and much art-work!

You will also receive a unique in-game airplane SPECIALLY made only available for Kickstarter pledgers!

And

Your name will also appear in the game's credits as backer and patron!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$125 reward

27 backers
Limited (373 left of 400)

The Legendary Dogfighter: You will receive all previous rewards: two digital copies, the box, the in-game plane, etc...

And also:

ALPHA ACCESS: Beta access is not soon enough? We will give you alpha access so that you can begin testing with us the game as soon as possible! This means you will be in direct contact with us and you will be first in line to provide valuable input to the making of Dogfight Elite!

For all your support, the team members will personally sign your physical copy of Dogfight Elite. Just because, you rock!

We can include a personal message of your choice if you wish (a gift note for someone special?)

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$199 reward

0 backers
Limited (100 left of 100)

Duo Legendary Dogfighter: Do you want two physical copies of the game with alpha access so that you can enjoy with friends or give it away as a gift? This is your reward! TWO The Legendary Dogfighter rewards. Meaning 2 physical copies, 4 digital downloads, t-shirts, and so on!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$225 reward

10 backers
Limited (40 left of 50)

The Squadron Leader: Add to all previous rewards the ability to create your own squadron and manage it during alpha/beta! Also a limited edition Dogfight Elite t-shirt with your name, pilot name or text of your choice on it!

This limited edition t-shirt design will be different to the previous reward and exclusively available for this selected group of kickstarter backers!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$500 reward

5 backers
All gone!

The Air Marshal Backer: All previous rewards PLUS a physical diecast aircraft at 1:48 scale of one of the planes used as a model for the creation of the game!

Note: Only 5 available. We can't give these to any other reward.

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$500 reward

2 backers
Limited (13 left of 15)

The Air Marshal Backer We've got more airplanes! The Squadron Leader rewards PLUS a physical diecast aircraft at 1:48 scale of one of the planes used as a model for the creation of the game! Note: Only 15 more available. We can't give these to any other reward.

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$1,000 reward

4 backers
Limited (16 left of 20)

The Marshal of the Royal Air Force: Pick your own airplane paintings! Pick a plane from the game you like best, tell us how you want it painted and we'll go ahead and include it on the game but you'll be the only pilot who can choose this painting! You can even name the decal after you!
We'll also send you a poster and t-shirt!

Note: Plane paintings must be suitable for all audiences: Rated E for Everyone :)

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$2,500 reward

0 backers
Limited (10 left of 10)

The Historic Heritage: Do you want to be able for anyone to pick your colors? This is the reward! We place your logo and paintings on any airplane of your choice. Up to 4 different aircraft. Then the whole world can pick up those colors and fly with them!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

You selected

$3,500 reward

1 backer
Limited (9 left of 10)

The Mission Creator: Do you belong to a veteran group, are you part of a museum or just want to leave your mark? The Historic Heritage reward PLUS you'll have exclusive access to us and work on the creation of a special secret mission that will be included in Dogfight Elite. Always dreamed of creating a mission for a game? This is your chance! You'll have bragging rights for it in the credits!

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

You selected

$10,000 reward

0 backers
Limited (3 left of 3)

Marketing Guru backer! We will work with you on the creation of a landmark with your organization logo/info on it, adjusted to WWI or WWII style for everyone to see when they play online! This will be there forever, as part of Dogfight Elite! Imagine if your organization, squadron or museum existed during the wars, having it on our map would be awesome! We would love to have your logo/info included as part of the game!

Note: No adult content allowed. To clarify rules, please contact us before pledging.

Estimated delivery:Sep 2013

Ships anywhere in the world

Funding period

Apr 5, 2013 - May 5, 2013
(30 days)

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